Prilosec

Prilosec is an antisecretory medication used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It contains the drug omeprazole magnesium. It belongs to the group of peptic ulcer medications called proton pump inhibitors. H+, K+-ATPase is called the proton pump. It helps in the secretion of acid from the stomach glands. The PPIs decrease gastric acid secretion through inhibition of H+, K+-ATPase. There are five PPI approved by FDA for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and Prilosec which contains omeprazole magnesium is one of them. It was first marketed in the US in 1989 by AstraZeneca. Omeprazole is one of the most widely prescribed drugs internationally and is available over the counter in some countries.

Composition

Prilosec contains Omeprazole magnesium. It is available as delayed release capsules. Omeprazole sodium is available as 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg delayed release capsules. Each packet of Prilosec For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension contains either 2.8 mg or 11.2 mg of omeprazole magnesium (equivalent to 2.5 mg or 10 mg of omeprazole), in the form of enteric-coated granules

Indications

Prilosec is prescribed in patients in whom there is increased secretion of acid in the stomach. The various conditions which are associated with hyperacidity are:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Duodenal ulcer

Other indications include:

• Gastric ulcer
• Maintenance therapy for GERD
• Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
• Systemic mastocytosis

Dosage

Prilosec delayed-release capsules should be taken before meals. The dosage recommendation for adults is:

• Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis - 20 mg given once daily for up to 8 weeks. For those patients who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additonal 8 weeks therapy may be considered.
• For maintenance treatment of GERD - One 20 mg capsule to be taken once daily
• Treatment of gastric ulcer: One 40 mg capsule to be taken for 4-8 weeks
• Healing of duodenal ulcer: One 20 mg capsule to be taken once daily after the morning meal for a period of 4 weeks. A few patients may require additional course of treatment to achieve healing. For Helicobacter pylori eradication (the bacteria that causes peptic ulcer), it has to be taken along with clarithromycin and amoxicillin for 10 days.

Contraindications

Prilosec (omeprazole magnesium) should be avoided if the patient is allergic to omeprazole and other PPIs.

Side effects

The side effects of Prilosec are:

• Head ache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Osteoporosis
• Dizziness
• Allergic reactions
• Dry mouth